Celebrating BridgeTO Volunteers
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Today we are celebrating some of the most valuable people in BridgeTO; the diverse and hardworking cast of volunteers who dedicate their time to helping our students grow and learn. Our tutors share their knowledge, strengthen our students’ comprehension on a variety of subjects, boost their confidence, and help build important learning skills. They are able to give students the attention that they don't often receive in a crowded classroom, helping those who struggle to keep up, and challenging those who need it. Our mentors also contribute to our students’ successes by sharing valuable life lessons and helping them develop important skills. BridgeTO also has countless other volunteers who work tirelessly to spread awareness about our organization and help us move forward. Here we have asked some of our volunteers why they do what they do and what inspired them to join BridgeTO.
Aliaa Gouda
What inspired you to start volunteering?
I found that there were a lot of things I wish I would have known throughout high school and undergrad, and by volunteering as a BridgeTO mentor, I am able to pass on that knowledge to help others overcome some of those same challenges but in an easier manner.
What's the most gratifying aspect of being a volunteer?
Seeing the impact you may have on someone through mentoring, whether that is the progress they made in their studies, career goals or even hobbies!
What are some challenges associated with volunteering and how do you handle such challenges?
One of the main challenges with volunteering, in general, is managing your time appropriately to ensure you’re able to give the right amount of energy to each task. This all comes down to finding the right balance.
Axelle Mitchelle
What inspired you to start volunteering?
I participated in a leadership program right before and during the first few months of the pandemic. There, I learned a lot and made inspiring connections, which made me realize it was time for me to pay it forward by donating not only money but also my time. I was researching volunteering opportunities when I was approached to join the mentoring network of BridgeTo. Knowing how passionate Sammer is about “her kids”, it was a really easy decision to make!
What's the most gratifying aspect of being a volunteer?
Being there to help a young person work through their own thoughts, ideas and challenges. If we end a call and they feel like they were heard, that they could express themselves openly, that there is a path forward, then that’s success. It also gives me the opportunity to keep a pulse on what’s happening for the younger generation, their questions and how they think about society & our future.
What are some challenges associated with volunteering and how do you handle such challenges?
Time commitment comes first to mind, but honestly, once you’ve booked your time in your calendar, it’s fairly easy. What remains is the nagging fear that my mentoring/volunteering doesn’t help as much as it should – it’s always at the back of my mind, that maybe I wasted my mentee’s time and that they didn’t get enough from our conversations…I approach this challenge the same way I would approach the fear of not performing at work: identify things I do well and the ones I could do better, and embrace a continuous growth mindset
Nastaxa Ahmed
What inspired you to start volunteering?
I wanted to see BridgeTo continue to grow and wanted to help in any way I could, the social media team seemed like a great way.
What's the most gratifying aspect of being a volunteer?
The most gratifying thing is ticking things off the social media team to do list.
What are some challenges associated with volunteering and how do you handle such challenges?
The biggest challenge for me was remembering to do the small things like message people back or change captions or add hashtags. Asking for help from my teammates when my schedule is too hectic has really helped.
Mikhiel Jaffer
What inspired you to start volunteering?
I graduated university in mid-2020, which was right in the middle of the first COVID lockdowns and just a time of general social unrest. The work at BridgeTO seemed like a great way to make a positive impact early in my career and help chip away at the systems that consistently neglect underserved and marginalized groups in Toronto.
What's the most gratifying aspect of being a volunteer?
Seeing a project (like our scholarship fund or grocery program) go from an idea to reality, and seeing the positive impact these projects have on our BridgeTO community.
What are some challenges associated with volunteering and how do you handle such challenges?
Time management is definitely the hardest part - but the team at BridgeTO is always very accommodating and ready to support however they can!
